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adj. sur·er, sur·est 1. Confident, as of something awaited or expected: I am sure we will win the game. 2. Impossible to doubt or dispute; certain: We have sure proof of his innocence. 3. a. Bound to come about or happen; inevitable: a sure victory for the team. b. Having one's course directed; destined or bound: She is sure to succeed. 4. a. Certain not to miss, slip, or err; steady: a sure grip on the suitcase. b. Not hesitating or wavering; firm: sure convictions. 5. a. Worthy of being trusted or depended on; reliable: a sure friend. b. Free from or marked by freedom from doubt: She is sure of her friends. 6. Careful to do something: Be sure to turn off the stove. 7. Obsolete Free from harm or danger; safe. adv. Idioms: Informal Surely; certainly. for sure Informal Certainly; unquestionably: We'll win for sure. make sure To establish something without doubt; make certain: Make sure he writes it down. sure enough As one might have expected; certainly. to be sure Indeed; certainly. sureness n. Synonyms: sure, certain, confident, positive These adjectives mean feeling or showing no doubt. Sure and certain are frequently used interchangeably; sure, however, is the more subjective term, whereas certain may imply belief based on experience or evidence: "Never teach a child anything of which you are not yourself sure" (John Ruskin). "We went that early because we were certain it was the only way we would ever get a seat" (Ann Patchett). Confident suggests assurance founded on faith or reliance in oneself or in others: "It goes without saying that a smiling, confident person will do better in an interview than a surly one" (Barbara Ehrenreich). Positive suggests full, emphatic certainty: "We were young, and I was positive nothing really terrible could happen to us" (Nora Roberts). See Also Synonyms at certain. |
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